NATURAL
A stone that has had no treatment other than cutting, drilling and polishing.
MAN-MADE
Gemstones created by artificial means in a laboratory, many times to simulate a natural stone's characteristics.
HEATED
The stones are subjected to the use of heat to alter color or increase clarity. Heating can also be used to lighten or darken a stone.
DYED
Stones are treated with a dye to alter or enhance their color.
COMPOSITE
The creation of a gemstone by assembling and cementing several materials together.
STABILIZED
Stones undergo a process that involves putting them under pressure, forcing them to absorb a filler, such as an epoxy, resulting in a harder stone. Sometimes, stabilization also prevents a stone's color from fading.
